I sold the 80 a while ago - but am now looking at a couple of replacements.

1st is a 68 vert - 327/4spd - engine is 2000 mile rebuilt original - suvivor paint (VERY dull) so will need paint to look decent, new interior - good frame & windshield surround appx $15K

2nd is a 70 vert - 350/4spd - engine is non-original older runs really strong - 4xx? rearend - good frame and windshield surround - will need minor body work, full paint and freshened interior - appx $10K

which one do you think is a better deal

 

The 68 is the better deal....from what you say all it needs is paint....original rebuilt 327, new interior, no rust issues...sounds much better than a non-original 350 that needs paint/body work and an interior for only 5k less.

BTW, I'd try to neog the 68's price down....

 

I like the sound of the 68 personally as far as an investment and a 'good deal'. Of course it has the stigma of being the worst produced year for any corvette, it is also the 1st C3 made. I personally love the 68 look and much of my 76 has been replaced with 68 parts as I like the look better.

 

What kind of concerns would this raise?

 

Alot of the parts on the early model 68 are specific to that year only and are harder to get. An example would be 68 door locks are almost impossible to find. Early 68 seats are also different than any other year.

1968 was possibly the worst quality production year ever due at least in part to Cheverolt policy to treat the Corvette like any other production car - this had a very negative reaction from the buying public and by the end of the year higher quality and model independence were restored.

 

True on the one-year-only parts and the difficulty in finding replacements.

'68 seats changed only with the seat back release location; first design was low on the back of the seat; second design was moved up higher, same as the '69 seats. For swap purposes, 68-69 seats are the same with the exception of headrests (optional for '68) and upholstery material (basket weave versus comfort weave).

Worst quality production ever? Maybe not. True, GM tightened up quality, but the only folks who actually ragged about poor quality was a well known automotive magazine with an axe to grind.

I would go with the '68 and the original engine.

 

By this time all of the alleged quality control issues have been worked out of most every 68 on the road today. The quality of the 68 is as good as any 68 to 72. To me it is a myth that has been perpetuated just like the negativity towards the 64's which are as good as any mid year, just lacking the disc brakes. There were alot of one year only parts for the 68's but I really don't believe their value is diminished because of it. Look at it as exclusivity!! The 68 is a great car and of the two I would go with the 68. Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the great advice - I'm leaning toward the 68 myself - the 70 holds some nostalgia appeal as it's a car that I grew up around in the neighborhood (I've known this car for 30yrs) but that only makes it special to me - and I have to be careful not to get rose colored glasses syndrome.

 

I love the 68 vette. I was trying to make that apparent with my original post. I have purposely changed many parts over to 68 parts as I prefer the look. With the early 68 seats, since the release mechanism is lower on the back the physical seat frame for the top part is different than later 68 seats. When I installed early 68 seats in my car and had them refurbished, I had to get specific parts for the top part of the seat as it was different than other years.

A simple google search for the 'Worst Year Corvette' will frequently display the 68 as the worst year. I personally love it, just wanted to mention it to the guy who started this post as he asked.

Example Google Search Result -

"However, it didn’t take long before the enthusiasts’ community discovered the shortcomings of the 1968 model. Rushed into production, the fit and finish was questionable. In 1967, there were two engine choices; a small block 327 cubic inch engine delivering up to 350-365 horsepower, or the monstrous 427 cubic inch beast pumping out a torque twisting 435 horsepower. For ’68, the engine selections were carried over. However, Chevy needed extra time to properly design and construct engine/transmission mounts and exhaust systems for the clearance issues of the new shape. As time passed, the 1968 Corvette would come to be known as the worst model-year Corvette built."

 

I'm going to buck the concensus here and suggest you go with the '70. You stated it runs stronger and you have 'attachment' to it. Unless you are looking for an "investment Vette", I'd go with the one that will be the most fun to run and run hard! Glenn

 

I have never talked to a 68 owner that did not like his Corvette. They all loved it.

The only negative ones toward 68's were magazine editors who never owned one.

Any productions problems would have been corrected long years ago.

 

I would pick door #1 - the '68

good luck w/ your decision

 

I agree. I have a '68 and I enjoy all of the one year only items that it has and the fact that it was the FIRST C3 design. As stated by others, the only people that faulted the car were magazine editors that were trying to dog out the Corvette for years and couldn't find any real faults with the C1/C2's. When the '68 arrived, they found minor things wrong and blew it out of proportion. That type of stuff sells magazines.

 

Next to none, the LARGE majority of '68's were serviced by dealers mainly for wiring harnesses.

What some of the '68 haters won't tell you is the MAJORITY of C3 parts are shared especially the '68-'72. So that must make them all POS....

 

Since the '68 has the original engine, you may feel compelled to keep the car as original as possible. I know I would.

However, with the '70 having the original engine gone, it's kind of wide open to customize the whole car to suit your taste.

So, it all depends what you want to do. The important thing is to have the most fun you can. Which would be more fun for you?

Personally, I like the gills and round tail pipes on the '68.

 

That same Magazine that dogged out the `68...eventually did a very positive review of it..when they actually drove one..C and D...

Anyway I must agree `68..

 

The 70 is has better styling also. JMO

 

I think I would take the 70, and customize it.
If the 68 is close to original, then that is how I would keep it. All very stock looking. Since I already have all stock vettes, I want to find one that I can change to my tastes, without worrying about the value of the car. Thats why I picked the 70.

kdf

 

I cast the vote for the 68.. But.... There are some really nice other Vette's posted here for sale.. Don't be too quick to write that check!

 

Well,...I liked the description of the 1968 the best myself. For me,..I would take the car thjat needs the least work and at the cheapest price.

Where are you located? If you decide NOT to buy th 1968, I might want a shot at it. Could you PM me the detials and contact numbers on the 1968,..should you decide NOT to buy it?

Thanks,
DT